The Club* (3rd update)

The Blue Jackets are done with exhibition games, left to their own devices -- practices, team-building exercises, etc. -- to get ready for the Oct. 4 opener vs. Calgary in Nationwide Arena.

They have some tough decisions to make beginning this weekend, when the process of trimming down the roster by the Oct. 1 deadline gets started. NHL clubs can carry a maximum of 23 players.

"We have some difficult decisions to make, especially on the back end," Blue Jackets coach Todd Richards said. "But that's good. That speaks well for the organization, the depth we have and how the young guys have developed and performed here in camp."

Today is an off day for the Blue Jackets, so the cuts won't happen. But they could begin anytime from Saturday through Monday. If a player requires waivers before he can head to the minor leagues (forwards Ryan Craig and Jack Skille, and defensemen Cody Goloubef and David Savard are such players) they'd have to be on waivers by Monday noon in order to be cleared by the Tuesday deadline.

Injuries have ravaged the forwards, meaning one or two of the following -- Michael Chaput, Ryan Craig and Jack Skille -- now have a better chance than ever to make the roster as the 12th or 13th forward. Jared Boll and Derek MacKenzie, who are established vets, are out with injuries, creating the opening. If one of them returns for the opener, one of Chaput, Craig and Skille will make it. If neither can go, two of that group will make it.

The defense has not been so affected by injuries. Nikita Nikitin returned to the lineup on Thursday for the exhibition finale, meaning the Blue Jackets' top six is in place. The battle, then, is for the No. 7 spot, and it sure looks like Tim Erixon will be the guy. He had a very good camp. Although Savard and Goloubef needing waivers make things interesting. The organization does not want to lose either player.

Cannon Fodder Podcast

Cannon Fodder is the podcast from The Dispatch sports team covering the Blue Jackets. Tune in for lively discussions about the ta and the rest of the NHL. Subscribe to the show through its RSS feed or iTunes.

Commentary from the Dispatch

Columnist Michael Arace shares his thoughts on the Blue Jackets and the NHL.